Himachal Tourism gets digital push with MakeMyTrip alliance

In a major step towards expanding digital outreach and tourism promotion, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has signed an agreement with leading travel portal MakeMyTrip. The MoU was formalised at a ceremony held at the historic Kashmir House in Dharamshala.

Under the agreement, 56 HPTDC hotels across Himachal Pradesh will now be available for online booking on MakeMyTrip. To mark the collaboration, MakeMyTrip has also made an advance payment of Rs 2 crore to the HPTDC.

Highlighting the significance of the tie-up, HPTDC Chairman RS Bali said, “In today’s digital era, online presence is vital. This partnership will provide global visibility to our properties and make travel planning easier for tourists.” He recalled that when he assumed office in 2023, the HPTDC faced financial challenges, but last year alone the corporation earned Rs 107 crore in revenue through focused efforts.

Calling the agreement a “historic milestone”, Bali added that the move would widen booking access, ensure transparent feedback, generate employment and strengthen local economies.

In another important decision, Bali announced the relocation of HPTDC’s headquarters from Shimla to Dharamsala, a move approved by the state cabinet under Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. The shift, he said, will help reduce Shimla’s administrative burden while positioning Dharamsala as a prime tourism hub.

The ceremony was attended by Ashish Parekh, Zonal Incharge of MakeMyTrip, Rajeev Kumar, Managing Director of HPTDC, and General Manager Anil Taneja. This collaboration, blending tradition with technology, is expected to mark a new chapter in state’s tourism journey.